Alfa Romeo Boss Urges Focus on Protecting Car Industry Jobs
Alfa Romeo boss, Jean-Philippe Imparato, has called on European politicians to prioritize job protection in the car industry instead of obsessing over the names of cars. This plea comes after a recent controversy surrounding the rebranding of the brand’s new crossover, which was originally named Milano but was quickly changed to Junior following claims by Italian industry minister Adolfo Urso that it violated an Italian law.
The law in question states that geographical names can only be used on products that are produced in Italy. However, the crossover will be manufactured at a Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland. While legal advice suggested that the name Milano did not actually violate the law, Imparato decided to change the name to avoid being entangled in a political dispute.
Imparato emphasized that his main objective is to create a sustainable future for Alfa Romeo and that he is not interested in playing politics. He highlighted that the name change garnered significant attention, stating that it generated a buzz that he could never have dreamed of. The name Milano had been revealed in December, and for years it was known that the car would be produced in Poland alongside the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600e.
Imparato explained that he had no other choice but to follow the Stellantis e-CMP platform, as it was the most viable solution to cater to the demands of Giuletta and Mito owners who have been waiting for a B-segment car since 2021. He further mentioned that Alfa Romeo was previously losing hundreds of millions of euros but has now become profitable under Stellantis. He also revealed plans for the next-generation Stelvio SUV and Giulia saloon, which will be built in Italy.
However, Imparato expressed concerns about the growing threat posed by Chinese car manufacturers expanding their production into Europe. He stated that this represents the “core” risk to Stellantis and the European car industry in the future. Imparato cited examples of MG launching a car priced at €16,000 in Spain and Tesla significantly reducing prices, impacting European margins. He also mentioned German competitors facing challenges in China and emphasized the importance of considering the total production cost of each car.
Imparato estimated that around 12 million people work in the European car industry and warned that even a small loss in market share can have significant consequences for factories and suppliers. He highlighted that the impact could be enormous, affecting not only the industry but also the livelihoods of many individuals.
In conclusion, Imparato’s plea to European politicians to prioritize job protection in the car industry is justified given the challenges posed by foreign competitors and the potential consequences for factories and workers. The rebranding of Alfa Romeo’s crossover is just one example of how political disputes can impact the industry, leading to the need for careful navigation in an increasingly competitive global market.